Do you need to isolate for the flu?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Influenza can be classified into three types based on the surface membrane proteins and nucleocapsids: type A, type B, and type C. Type A influenza usually causes major outbreaks in populations. Due to frequent genotypic changes in type A influenza, the general population often lacks immunity against it. Generally, influenza is a legally designated class B infectious disease in the country, and it can be transmitted to normal or healthy individuals through droplets, sneezing, or aerosols. Therefore, if an outbreak occurs, isolation measures should be taken, people should avoid crowded public places as much as possible, and maintain ventilation by keeping windows open, to prevent transmission from infected patients or certain animals.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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What to do if you are afraid of cold with type A influenza?

Patients with Type A influenza who are sensitive to cold often need to pay attention to appropriate warmth. Additionally, monitoring the patient's temperature is necessary, and if the patient has a fever, it is often necessary to use antipyretic medications to control their temperature and alleviate symptoms of chilliness and cold sensitivity. For Type A influenza, it is generally recommended to start antiviral treatment with a neuraminidase inhibitor orally within 48 hours of onset. Antiviral treatment can help shorten the duration of illness and reduce the complications related to Type A influenza. Moreover, in cases of Type A influenza where the patient is sensitive to cold, it is also important to pay attention to a light diet and proper hydration. Avoiding staying up late and excessive physical exertion are non-pharmacological measures that also help with the condition.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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Is the flu serious?

Influenza is a contagious disease, mainly caused by the spread of the influenza virus among people. Patients may display symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fever. The severity of influenza can vary. Typically, for people with normal immunity, influenza goes through a self-limiting process, and generally, patients can recover on their own without treatment in about 7 to 10 days. However, certain special populations, such as the elderly, infants, pregnant women, cancer patients, or those who have been taking immunosuppressive drugs for a long time, often experience prolonged symptoms after contracting influenza. Additionally, influenza can lead to influenza pneumonia, and in severe cases, it may cause myocarditis or meningitis, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions. Therefore, special attention should be paid to these vulnerable groups.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can the flu cause recurring fever?

Influenza can cause recurrent fever as a symptom. Epidemic influenza, also caused by influenza or parainfluenza virus infection, is a type of acute respiratory infectious disease. The presence of the virus in the body can stimulate the body's temperature regulation center, which may cause recurrent episodes of fever, typically lasting about three to five days, and the fever should not persist beyond seven days, so there is no need for excessive worry. It is advised to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, and take appropriate antipyretic medication to manage the fever when it occurs. Additionally, antiviral medications like Qingkailing or antiviral oral solutions can be used for antiviral treatment. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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The incubation period of influenza is how many days?

The incubation period refers to the time from when pathogenic microorganisms invade the human body to when symptoms appear. We call this the incubation period. The duration of the incubation period is related to the patient's resistance and the virulence of the pathogenic microorganisms. Generally speaking, the incubation period for influenza A is usually about 2-4 days, while for other types like influenza B and C, the incubation period can often reach 5-7 days. During the incubation period of influenza, patients often do not exhibit typical flu symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and fever. The primary manifestations may be general malaise, such as muscle and skeletal pain, loss of appetite, poor digestion, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Therefore, it is very easy to misdiagnose these symptoms as other diseases during the incubation period.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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symptoms of influenza

The symptoms of influenza vary greatly from individual to individual. The typical presentation first follows the trend of influenza outbreaks. After coming into contact with an infected person or the influenza virus, symptoms such as fatigue, limb pain, nausea and vomiting may be experienced. Some may also have symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, sore and dry throat, and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Clinically, the main symptoms are limb pain and body fatigue, and some may also experience a rise in body temperature. It is advisable to drink more water, rest more, and measure body temperature. Choosing antipyretic analgesics can generally relieve symptoms, and antiviral medications can also be used as treatment directed toward the cause. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)